Shintaro Fujinami will most likely get a start during the opening season series (vs Chunichi at Kyocera Dome, March 27-29). That should line him up for two starts against the Yomiuri Giants in the following month (April 2-5, April 17-19). The first three pitchers in the rotation could be Randy Messenger, Atsushi Nomi, and Fujinami. Pitching coach Kiyooki Nakanishi thinks it would be best to split Messenger and Fujinami, so the order could be Messenger, Nomi, and Fujinami, or Fujinami, Nomi, and Messenger. Plans will be finalized during spring camp. Source: Sanspo 12/21/2014 ... The second pitcher could also be Minoru Iwata. Source: Sponichi 12/21/2014

Daisuke Miura has recorded at least one hit in every season since 1993. Motonobu Tanishige holds the NPB record with at least one hit in twenty-six consecutive seasons (1989-2014). Source: Nikkan Sports 12/21/2014

Yakult Swallows

Tetsuto Yamada had a tonsillectomy on the 14th and was discharged from the hospital on the 19th. He will return to Osaka later this month and resume regular practices in January. Source: Sanspo 12/21/2014